Tag: cancer awareness

Shari’s Update: Half-way Through Treatment

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I am officially halfway through treatment and have the results of my PET scan in hand. Although it wont make total sense with all the medical terminology, I will summarize the results from my Oncologist and his view of my PET scan, “NOTHING lit up, you have had a complete response to treatment and that is GOOD NEWS!!”

What a relief to hear these words. It’s reassuring that I am going through this for a reason, effectively killing the cancer cells and that the end is in sight. This also means that I shouldn’t need radiation which is the most ideal outcome. The mass in my neck and in my chest have both shrunk to about half the size which is awesome. I’ve seen the scans and they brought me to tears. He was right nothing lights up and the difference is unreal.

Whew, cancer sure is a journey. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and more… I get why people say they aren’t the same afterwards and I am realizing I wont be either. But in a good way, what doesn’t kill you (literally) only makes you stronger, more resilient, and grateful. Although I wouldn’t wish this diagnosis on anyone, I am going to look back at this season with a strange sense of reassurance, that I did it, I made it through, and with a renewed appreciation for all the things “I get to do” moving forward.

I’m also excited to mention that I have my first therapy appointment on Friday with a therapist that specializes in EMDR. I know this will be helpful for me mentally and emotionally. Although I feel so incredibly supported, I am sure I have a lot to learn in regards to handling the trauma that comes with a medical diagnosis you weren’t prepared for.

Thank you all for checking in and following along. I’m in constant awe of the prayers and love you’ve all shown. Sending you so much love right back!

Below is a special handmade mug made for me by my friend, Emma ❤️ I LOVE it, she is so talented!

World Cancer Day – Shari’s Update🎗️

by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment on World Cancer Day – Shari’s Update🎗️

Officially two rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy into my Lymphoma treatments and everything is going “well”. The first round of chemo was a learning curve, although my symptoms were mild, I still had to deal with fatigue, slight nausea, constipation, mouth soreness, and a tiny bit of bone pain. Again, although none of these were terrible and I was able to manage them quickly, to the point where I felt normal within 3-5 days after my treatment; I still learned a lot. I took what I learned into my second round of chemo (exactly a week ago) and this time I haven’t had the mouth soreness, constipation, or bone pain at all. The fatigue comes and goes the first few days after treatment and the nausea is only once the anti-nausea medication that they give me with my infusions wears off. I only took one anti-nausea pill this past round. I know I have 6 more chemo treatments to go but it was encouraging to know there is a way to manage my symptoms and I am grateful to the people out there that have shared their stories, what they learned, and tips & tricks. Thanks to them, I was able to get ahead of my symptoms and take care of myself.

Hair “shedding” has started and I’m leaning more towards just waiting it out to see how much hair I truly lose. I have gone back and forth on my thoughts around this topic. I won’t bore you with my indecisiveness but I will say, I have a LOT of hair so it kind of feels nice to lose a little.

Good news to share… before my second round of chemo even started, the lymph node on my neck shrunk to the point where we can’t feel it anymore. My Oncologist was extremely happy and it means that my body is responding to treatment. My next PET scan to track my progress will be in early March.

It’s been refreshing to have the normalcy of work, and I’ve enjoyed extra time at home with my husband and toddler. I’ve also felt a bit cooped up at home. We’ve made the best of it with walks outside between weather breaks… bonus that we live next to a beautiful bay and walking path on the berm of the rocky beach (picture receipt below). I appreciate each and every one of you that have reached out, sent cards, messages, and shown me and my family so much love. The support means everything to me. It’s World Cancer Day (Feb 4th) and I can’t help but think of every one that has been affected by cancer and even those that will be in the future. Praying extra today for peace and healing to those in the throws of cancer (like me), those who are surviving, and those affected by cancer in any way. 🎗️❤️ Jeremiah 33:6

For those of you who have asked if we want a meal, here is a meal train my friend created for us: Shari’s Meal Train